Manchester Derby: City Draw First Blood
In a long awaited battle between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford was a real cracker in which the Guardiola’s City came out on top against the Red Devils
Line-Ups
Mourinho handed a start to Henrikh Mkhitaryan who’s fitness was under scrutiny as well as Jesse Lingard. Juan Mata and Anthony Martial were benched. A talking point before the game was the possible selection of Marcus Rashford. The Englishman however was also on the bench as Ibrahimovic led the line.
Manchester City were without talisman Sergio Aguero who missed the game due to suspension. Fernandinho played with Silva in the center of the park as Kelechi Iheanacho led the line. Notably, Claudio Bravo started in goal after his move from Barcelona. Another summer signing, Leroy Sane was on the bench.
First Half
The game kicked off with the intensity of a Derby that has been missing in recent years. City were definitely the better side in the first 30. Guardiola seems to have drilled in the need for quick, incisive passing and incessant pressing. City did not give United any time on the ball when the Red Devils had possession with Fernandinho shielding the defense effectively. The star however was Belgian Kevin De Bruyne. The former Chelsea man had a world class outing in front of old boss Mourinho. De Bruyne combined with Silva on many occasions and was a constant menace to Blind and Bailly, the United center halves. He was rewarded for his efforts as he latched onto a header by Iheanacho and calmly slotted past De Gea.
After the first goal City did not ease up as frustration set in for the home team. The second goal came as De Bruyne, once again excellent, hit the post with a left footed shot as Iheanacho was on hand to tap in. United were nervous on the ball and Mkhitaryan was particularly poor.
However, United were handed a lifeline when Bravo made a mess of a deep free kick and Ibrahimovic volleyed home.
Second Half
The second half started off at a slower pace. Both teams were tentative in possession as United sought an equalizer. Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera replaced Mkhitaryan and Lingard. Rashford made an instant impact as he cut in from the left wing and fired a shot at the City goal. The shot however was deflected into goal by Ibrahimovic who was adjudged offside saving City’s blushes.
Bravo once again was a weak link in goal. The Chilean nearly gave a penalty when he flew in with studs showing on Rooney after a poor touch by the goalkeeper. De Bruyne who was playing as a false nine after Iheanacho was taken off, also hit the post once again. After a flurry of chances for City, United pushed for an equalizer in vain as City held on to take all 3 points. Guardiola once again had defeated Mourinho. Paul Pogba was also anonymous in the game as he failed to make any impact.
It was a confidence boosting win for City who celebrated their 50th derby win. Kevin De Bruyne was the star of the show as United’s unbeaten record came to an end.